New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo is the face of two major scandals: allegations of a cover-up over misreported nursing home death numbers and sexual harassment. While both sides of the political spectrum are calling for him to step down as governor, Cuomo’s resignation is premature and hypocritical.

Cuomo has been accused by three former aides of sexual harassment. The governor took a needed break away from the cameras and returned to address the controversy that surrounds him.

Cuomo did not challenge accuser Charlotte Bennett’s claims, though he did deny some other accusations that he is facing.

In situations involving sexual harassment allegations, it is particularly important to hear the stories of both parties. Asking Cuomo to resign before the results of an independent investigation is irresponsible.

Both Democrats and Republicans are calling for Cuomo to step down. The fact that Republicans are dreaming of his resignation is not surprising, as they never agreed with Cuomo’s policies.

The sexual harassment allegations, in addition to the nursing home scandal, are an early political Christmas gift for Republicans. To them, Cuomo always felt untouchable and now they have a window of opportunity to take him down.

Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii was one of the few Democratic senators to speak about the issue. Hirono said that, while she has full trust in the New York attorney general’s investigation, “there may come a tipping point with regard to Gov. Cuomo where he should resign.”

A frustrating factor in the Cuomo allegation saga is the absence of New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a senator who also positioned herself as a champion of women’s rights and fighting against sexual abuse.

Gillibrand was the first Democrat to call for her former colleague, Al Franken, to resign after he was accused of sexual misconduct. Yet, her call for Cuomo to resign remains nonexistent.

Some other Democrats from the New York political landscape, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are waiting for the investigation results, which is how situations like this are supposed to play out.

But some figures are calling for his resignation. Rep. Kathleen Rice was the first Democratic House member to demand his resignation.

“The time has come. The Governor must resign,” Rep. Rice tweeted. Democrats have yet to present a clear message on the sexual assault allegations.

New York residents have no other option but to look to their local political leaders for guidance during the coronavirus pandemic.

While Cuomo must face judgment if the allegations prove to be true, calling for his resignation
early on before the result of the independent investigation is irresponsible.